Cooking chamber insert with a specific basic structure, and cooking device

ABSTRACT

A cooking compartment insert for detachable installation in a cooking compartment of a cooking appliance is formed to be plate-shaped and includes a base unit designed as a frame that is open upward and downward and configured to delimit a free space, and a heating element arranged on the base unit on a side that is remote from an underside of the base unit such that, at least in one region, the heating element is exposed downward. The heating element is arranged in the free space surrounded by the frame, and arranged to be upwardly and downwardly exposed in relation to the frame.

One aspect of the invention relates to a cooking compartment insert fordetachable installation in a cooking compartment of a cooking appliance.The cooking compartment insert is in particular formed to beplate-shaped. A further aspect of the invention relates to a cookingappliance.

DE 10 2010 030 471 A1 discloses an oven. The oven has a separate cookingcompartment divider element, which is provided with at least one heatingelement of large surface area. The cooking compartment divider elementforms a mountable unit that can be introduced into the cookingcompartment of the oven at a specific slide-in level. As a result, thecooking compartment can be selectively subdivided into individuallyheatable adjacent cooking compartment regions. However, this mountableunit has only one integrated heating element. Usability is consequentlylimited. Moreover, EP 2 431 667 A1 discloses a heatable slide-in cookingcompartment divider and a cooking appliance. An upper side of theslide-in cooking compartment divider is formed as a food receptacle, andas such takes the form of a tray. Integrated in the plate-shapedslide-in cooking compartment divider is a flat-surface heater. Inaddition, a temperature sensor may also be provided. As such, thisheatable slide-in cooking compartment divider is also of limitedusability.

DE 42 17 545 A1 discloses an electric baking and roasting oven. The ovenhas a plate that may be inserted into the cooking compartment and thathas a heating body which emits heat downward. The plate has aninsulation with a depression made in the underside, in which the heatingbody is arranged.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cookingcompartment insert that can be used with more variability. Accordingly,it is also an object of the invention to provide a cooking appliance.

This object is achieved by a cooking compartment insert and a cookingappliance as claimed in the independent claims.

One aspect of the invention relates to a cooking compartment insert fordetachable installation in a cooking compartment of a cooking appliance.The cooking compartment insert is formed to be plate-shaped. The cookingcompartment insert has a base unit. Moreover, the cooking compartmentinsert has a heating element. This is in particular separate from thebase unit. The heating element is arranged on the base unit. The heatingelement is arranged on a side that is remote from an underside of thebase unit such that, at least in certain regions, it is exposeddownward. The base unit is a frame. The frame is thus open both upwardand downward. This is to be understood as seen in the verticaldirection, or the direction of the height of the cooking compartmentinsert. The heating element is arranged in the free space surrounded bythe frame, and is arranged to be upwardly and downwardly exposed inrelation to the frame.

As a result of a cooking compartment insert of this kind, it is madepossible also to use it as a cooking compartment divider. It extends inparticular intentionally over the entire width of a cooking compartmentof a cooking appliance in which the cooking compartment insert is to beused. As a result, a cooking compartment insert of this kind may, inparticular with its frame, be arranged directly on the vertical sidewalls of a muffle of the cooking appliance that delimits the cookingcompartment. The fact that the base unit takes the form of a frame makesa formation of lighter weight possible. Furthermore, a free space thatonly comes into being as a result of this formation can be used for thearrangement of further components, in particular the heating element.Nonetheless, this frame creates a mechanically stable support componentfor the heating element. The formation of the base unit as a frame isparticularly advantageous in that, during operation of the heatingelement in this basic configuration of the cooking compartment insert,heat can be emitted both upward and downward. Because this heatingelement is in fact exposed upward and downward in this basicconfiguration, this heat emission is particularly efficient.

In an exemplary embodiment, it is provided for only one such heatingelement to be arranged in this free space.

This heating element of the cooking compartment insert, which isarranged in this free space of the frame, has electrical contacts. Theseallow the heating element and thus also the entire cooking compartmentinsert to be coupled directly to electrical mating contacts that areformed for example on the muffle of the cooking appliance or outside themuffle of the cooking appliance.

In an exemplary embodiment, the frame is peripherally closed. As aresult, the above-mentioned advantages are in particular achieved. Aparticularly high level of stability and also of rigidity to resisttorsion are achieved in this way. It also enables the heating element tobe peripherally surrounded all the way around by the frame. Thisprevents lateral exposure—that is in the plane in which the frameextends—of the heating element outside the frame. This also makes itpossible to prevent the heating element from being undesirably touchedat the side. In this context, the frame thus also provides a lateral,peripherally closed protection against touching the heating element.

In an exemplary embodiment, the frame is made in one piece. This meansthat there are no individual components that are connected to oneanother by detachable connections. In particular with the one-pieceformation, it may be provided for the frame to be created in its basicform in a single manufacturing method. This means that, with thisexemplary embodiment, there is no initial manufacture of separateindividual parts that are subsequently connected in a further method,for example being welded or similar. However, in another exemplaryembodiment, it is also possible for individual parts of the framethemselves to be manufactured separately first and connected to oneanother in a non-detachable manner in a subsequent connection step.

In an exemplary embodiment, the frame is made from metal. This makes itparticularly stable. Furthermore, as a result it withstands to aparticular extent the high temperatures that may occur in a cookingcompartment of a cooking appliance.

In an exemplary embodiment, the frame is formed from at least twoseparate profile parts that are connected to one another. These may be alower and an upper profile part. However, they may also be a front and arear profile part. The profile parts may take the same or similar shapeand be laid on one another. They are then able to be connected to oneanother directly or to be connected to one another by additionalconnecting parts.

As a result, a multiplicity of individual configurations of the framemay be made possible.

In an exemplary embodiment, the heating body is connected to the frameby a detachable connection. This is a further highly advantageousexemplary embodiment, since it allows the individual parts to bereversibly separated and connected to one another again. This hasadvantages in respect of cleaning, on the one hand, and maintenance orcomponent replacement on the other. In a context of this kind, there isthen no need to replace the entire cooking compartment insert, butrather individual parts thereof may be replaced.

In an exemplary embodiment, the frame has at least one integrated handlezone. In an exemplary embodiment, this handle zone may take the form ofa recessed handle. This makes it possible, in a particularlyadvantageous and user-friendly way, to take hold of the cookingcompartment insert directly and safely, and transport it. It isspecifically the frame that offers advantages in this context. On theone hand, in an exemplary embodiment the frame is thicker, in particularin cross section, than the heating element. This also makes it possiblefor relatively large handle zones to be made in the frame, making itpossible to safely take hold of and carry the cooking compartmentinsert. Moreover, this exemplary embodiment also makes it possible forthe cooking compartment insert to be taken hold of without the need totake hold of the heating element, or to position a hand in the immediatevicinity of the heating element, for the purpose of handling the cookingcompartment insert.

In this context, a recessed handle provides a particularly advantageousexemplary embodiment of a handle zone. For it makes it possible to takehold particularly extensively and securely. In particular, as seen inthe direction of the height of the cooking compartment insert, therecessed handle is open downward and/or, as seen in the horizontaldirection of the cooking compartment insert, is open to the side and/orto the front. This makes it possible for taking hold to be particularlyergonomic and user-friendly.

In an exemplary embodiment, the frame has a frame bar at the front, asseen in the direction of the depth of the cooking compartment insert.Made on a front side of this frame bar that is remote from the freespace of the frame is an upwardly open notch. This enables a user toreach into this notch and to take hold, directly from below, of anadditional module of the cooking compartment insert that may be providedarranged on the front frame bar. As a result, it is also possible tomake contact with and to actuate this additional module, where present,in the front region of the frame in a simple manner.

In an exemplary embodiment, the frame has at least one lateral framebar. This lateral frame bar extends with its longitudinal axis in thedirection of the depth of the cooking compartment insert. In particular,by means of a front end this at least one lateral frame bar adjoins afront frame bar of the frame. In an exemplary embodiment, the frame, inparticular the at least one lateral frame bar, has receptacles for anadditional part of the cooking compartment insert that is separate fromthe frame and the heating element. As a result, it is specificallyprovided for these receptacles to take the form of, and to be providedas, additional part receptacles. This makes it possible for veryindividual additional parts of the cooking compartment insert to becoupled to the frame both locally and concretely. A very individualmodular structure of the cooking compartment insert is made possible. Inparticular, the frame may then be provided with multifunctionalequipment, and it serves as a support not only for the heating elementbut also for at least one such further additional part. Because of theformation of the base unit as a frame, these additional parts may bearranged individually on specific frame bars of the frame. In that case,the frame bars also serve as advantageous supports for these additionalparts. In particular, this makes it possible for the additional partsnot to cover, upward or downward, the heating element that is arrangedin the free space. Moreover, this exposure and thus the upwardly anddownwardly directed emission of the thermal energy of the heatingelement are not then impaired by these additional parts. Thus, it isadvantageously provided, in a projected view of the frame and thus in aview perpendicular to the plane in which the plate-like cookingcompartment insert extends, for any additional part that is present notto be arranged to overlap with the heating element.

In particular, at least one receptacle is arranged such that anadditional part is arranged on an upper side and/or outer side of theframe bar. In particular, the receptacle is provided such that theadditional part projects, at least in certain regions, and as seen inthe direction of the height of the cooking compartment insert, upwardbeyond the frame bar on which it is arranged.

Thus, the structure of the cooking compartment insert may be expandedupward. As a result of the additional parts, an individual configurationof the cooking compartment insert is then made possible. The additionalpart may itself have its own function, in which case it need not beprovided with further equipment. However, it is also possible for anadditional part of this kind to form an intermediate support for afurther additional module, separate from this, of the cookingcompartment insert. This additional module is in particular alsoseparate from the heating element and the frame. In this way, thevariable formation and thus the option of an individual configurationfor the cooking compartment insert may be further substantiallyexpanded. This provides a comprehensive option, in particular above theframe, for providing the cooking compartment insert with individualequipment and configuring it in that one or different additional modulesmay be arranged thereon. For this, the additional parts serve ascorresponding supports.

In an exemplary embodiment, the additional part is arranged in adetachable manner on the receptacle. A detachable connection of thiskind may thus be reversibly coupled and uncoupled. Hence, the additionalpart may be mounted and removed again easily. Depending on the equipmentneeded, and thus depending on the configuration variant of the cookingcompartment insert, in a minimal configuration only the frame and theheating element may be provided. In a further configuration, at leastone such additional part may then be provided in addition. In yet afurther configuration option, the cooking compartment insert may, inaddition to the frame and the heating element and the additional part,be equipped with an additional module separate from these. A detachableconnection for the additional part on the receptacle may for example bea snap-fit connection or a push-fit connection. It is also possible fora screw connection or a snap-fit connection to be provided.

In an exemplary embodiment, the additional part takes the form of anelongate rail. As seen in the arranged state, this extends with itslongitudinal axis against a frame bar, in particular in the direction ofthe depth of the cooking compartment insert. It may then be provided forthe longitudinal axis of the additional part, and the longitudinal axisof the frame bar on which the additional part is arranged, to beparallel. In an exemplary embodiment, it may be provided for theadditional part to be a guide rail that is U-shaped in cross section.The guide rail may be specifically provided for receiving an additionalmodule, separate therefrom, of the cooking compartment insert. Thus, onthe one hand the additional module may be mounted on the frame easily,in particular simply being slid in. On the other, in the mounted endposition of the additional module, this additional part is then alsoutilized as a holding element. In this context, the additional part mayhave an end abutment part. In this way, the end position of the slid-inadditional module may be predetermined in a defined manner. Inparticular in the direction of the depth of the cooking compartmentinsert, the end position of the additional module relative to the framecan then be reached and adjusted very precisely.

As a result of the U shape of the guide rail, it then also becomespossible to take hold of the additional module around the edge. On theone hand, this improves guidance, and on the other holding in the endposition is also improved. In particular, in this context the additionalpart then also serves as an edge-side protector for the additionalmodule.

In an exemplary embodiment, the cooking compartment insert has anadditional module. This additional module is in particular plate-shaped.The additional module is a separate component of the cooking compartmentinsert from the frame and the heating element. It is provided such thatin the mounted end state it covers, from above and in particularentirely, the free space surrounded by the frame. This also makes itpossible to prevent reaching into the free space from above. On the onehand, depending on the functionality of the additional module, thecooking compartment insert can then be utilized as a plate-like cookingcompartment divider on which objects can be placed, on the upper side ofthe additional module. For example, in this context a food containersuch as such as a grill shelf or a baking sheet or a pan or similar maybe positioned thereon. In this context, the additional module may beutilized as an upper cover, as it were, of the free space. It may beformed such that it has a thermally insulating effect, with the resultthat thermal energy from the heating element cannot be emitted upward,or only to a small extent. The additional module may be an insulationplate. However, it is also possible for the additional module to beformed as an energy-emitting unit. In that case, it may be deliberatelyconfigured such that the heat from the heating element is transmitted tothe energy-emitting unit, and this thermal energy is then radiatedupward by the energy-emitting unit. In this way, the energy-emittingunit may for example also be made from ceramic. It is possible, and notonly in this context, for this additional module, in its function as anenergy-emitting unit, to be a pizza stone or similar.

In an exemplary embodiment, the additional module is arranged on thereceptacle by a detachable connection. In this way too it may easily bereversibly removed and mounted again. In particular as a result ofsimple, in particular linear, pushing against the frame, in particularguided by the additional parts, simple assembly and disassembly are madepossible.

In an exemplary embodiment, a bottom plate and/or a top plate of theadditional module has/have stamped elements. In addition or instead ofthis, this bottom plate and/or top plate may have medium drainage and/orcollection channels. In particular if the additional module is providedsuch that stored material, including for example food, can be or is tobe placed on the upper side. For in that case for example liquid mediamay come out of this stored material and be collected in these channels.This makes it possible to prevent these media from running off the upperside of the additional module in an undesirable manner.

As a result of the frame taking the form of a base unit of the cookingcompartment insert, an open overall shape is provided, with the resultthat, as seen in the direction of height, the heating element can beactive and can emit thermal energy in both directions at the same time.It is thus possible for thermal energy to be emitted from above anddownward out of the cooking compartment insert at the same time, withoutturning the cooking compartment insert.

In an exemplary embodiment, the frame may be made from metal. Forexample, it may be made from an enameled sheet metal and/or aluminumand/or stainless steel. In an exemplary embodiment, as seen in thedirection of height, the frame has a greater height than the heatingelement. This means that, in an exemplary embodiment, as seen in thedirection of height the heating element is arranged in particularentirely within the height of the frame. As a result the heating elementdoes not project upward and/or downward beyond the frame. Also as aresult, a certain additional protection is achieved. In particular, thisalso makes it possible for the cooking compartment insert to be set downfor example on a worktop. For in that case, the possibility that theheating element is placed directly on the worktop is avoided. Rather,the frame then also serves as a direct contact surface. It may beprovided for standing surfaces to be formed on the underside of theframe. For example, stamped elements may also be formed here, as feet.Furthermore, it is thus also possible for the cooking compartment insertalso to be set down, with the frame, stably and unaffected by tilting.

In an exemplary embodiment, it may be provided for the underside of theframe to have a deep-drawn region. This means that this region isproduced by deep drawing. As seen in the direction of height, thisregion extends downward and as such expands the frame, so that itprojects downward relative to the heating element. This deep-drawnregion may be formed to run peripherally all the way around. Only ifelectrical contacts of the heating element which extend outward througha frame bar of the frame from the free space are guided horizontally isthere such an interruption in this deep-drawn region, in an exemplaryembodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, the additional module may bemade in one piece. In this case, it may be made from a single material.It is also possible for the additional module to be constructed inmultiple parts. For this purpose, it may have a bottom plate and a topplate. These may be connected to one another directly. In an exemplaryembodiment, an intermediate space may be formed between the bottom plateand the top plate. This may be filled with a thermally insulatingmaterial. It is also possible for the top plate to have a handle zone,in particular a recessed handle, in a front region of its underside.This allows handling of the additional module to be made easier for auser. For example, when the additional module is in the state mounted onthe frame, this handle zone on the underside of the additional modulemay be arranged flush with the notch on a front side of a front framebar of the frame. Thus, it is possible to reach into this notch anddirectly access the handle zone on the underside of the additionalmodule. This also makes it possible to remove the additional module fromthe frame easily.

It is also possible for an upper side of the additional module to beprovided with an individual structure. For example in this case, asurface region of greater roughness may be produced. Thus, it ispossible to prevent food and/or a food container that is set directly onthis upper side from slipping undesirably.

It is also possible for the top plate and the bottom plate to beconnected to one another directly by an adhesive connection. However, ascrew connection is also possible. Furthermore, it is also made possiblefor a further additional part, in particular an edge border that isseparate from the top plate and the bottom plate, to form a connectionelement between the top plate and the bottom plate. This may for examplebe an edge strip made from stainless steel, or an edge border.

In another exemplary embodiment, the additional module takes the form ofa reversible plate. This means that it is specifically provided for useon both sides. Thus, this upper side and/or underside of the additionalmodule may be given different structures and/or be made from differentmaterials. It is also possible for this to enable simple cleaning of theadditional module. For in this way, it is then possible for example, byturning the plate around, for residues to be burned off by the activatedheating body, which can then act directly on this surface of theadditional module.

If the additional module has been specifically formed as anenergy-emitting unit, it may for example take the form of a grillwarming plate or contact warming plate. In this case, this additionalmodule is made from a material with good thermal conductivity, such asaluminum. It may then also be formed in particular with a specificusable surface. in an exemplary embodiment, this may be a surface thatis easy to clean. However, in an exemplary embodiment of anenergy-emitting unit, it may also be provided for a usable surface ofthis additional module to have ribs, for example. This may beimplemented for example in the case of a grill plate. On the other side,this additional module may then be formed to be flat, for example.

It is also possible for a usable surface, which is for example alsoformed as a grill surface, to have an edge border. This is an upwardlyprojecting web. It may be formed to be in particular peripherally closedall the way around. This can prevent media from the food that is beingprepared on this grill surface from undesirably running off.

The possibility of mounting different energy-emitting units in thereceiving region such that they can be detached in a non-destructivemanner also makes it possible to handle the cooking compartment insertin a very simple and user-friendly manner. Individually configuring thecooking compartment insert with a specific energy-emitting unit may thusalso be carried out quickly and easily. Thus, the cooking compartmentinsert may be configured quickly and individually, depending on therespective conditions of use.

Thus, the cooking compartment insert also creates, as it were, amultiple-stage or cascaded energy generation and emission system. As aresult, there is no longer just generation of energy by a heatingelement and a corresponding emission of the energy from the heatingelement by the base plate itself, but rather, as a result of thetransmission of energy from the heating element to the energy-emittingunit, it is thus also possible where appropriate to improve thiscoupling and to make the energy emission from the cooking compartmentinsert to the outside more specific and individualized as a result ofthis energy-emitting unit. This also enables an energy emission scenarioto be made more flexible and individual. This may have advantages notonly in respect of the preparation procedure in the cooking compartment,but also in respect of emission that is better adapted to the situationas regards time and the quantity of energy. The type of energy emissionmay thus also be individualized.

In particular, the energy emitted by the energy-emitting unit is thermalenergy.

An electrical energy source may be a constituent part of the cookingcompartment insert. However, this electrical energy source may also bearranged outside of the cooking compartment insert. In particular inthat case, the cooking compartment insert has electrical contacts. Thesemay make contact with electrical mating contacts, such that theelectrical energy from the electrical energy source is transmitted overthis contact interface to the heating element of the cooking compartmentinsert.

If the cooking compartment insert does not have its own electricalenergy source of this kind, it may for example be connected to the powergrid.

In an exemplary embodiment, the cooking compartment insert has at leastone electrical contact region, by means of which the cooking compartmentinsert can be coupled to an external energy supply unit. In particular,this electrical contact region is formed with at least one electricalcontact. The latter takes a form for making direct contact with anelectrical mating contact outside of the cooking compartment insert. Theenergy supply unit is in particular an electrical energy supply unit.

The heating element may have a tubular heating body and/or a radiantheating body and/or an induction heater. In this way, a vast number ofthe most diverse energy sources may be provided as heating elements forthe cooking compartment insert. In this context, the energy generated bythe heating element may thus be thermal energy. However, it may also beelectromagnetic energy, as is the case with induction heating. For thisenergy generation, the heating element may be connected to an electricalenergy source, such that generation of the energy of the heating elementis initiated by the electrical energy.

In an exemplary embodiment, this thermal insulation region has aerogelas a thermally insulating material. On the one hand this is very light,and on the other it is particularly advantageous in respect of thethermal insulation effect. The thermal insulation region may also have avacuum unit.

If the heating element is for example a tubular heating body or aradiant heating body, the thermal energy generated thereby istransmitted to the energy-emitting unit. Depending on the type ofenergy-emitting unit, it is then possible to emit corresponding energy,in particular thermal energy, from the energy-emitting unit into thecooking compartment. In particular in this context, it is thus alsopossible for food that is to be prepared to be put directly on theenergy-emitting unit. For example, this may be the case with food forgrilling or a pizza or a cake to be baked or similar. However, this isalso possible in the case of a multiplicity of other foods.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a cooking appliance. Thecooking appliance has a housing. A cooking compartment is formed in thehousing. Food may be prepared in the cooking compartment. In anexemplary embodiment, the cooking appliance has a cooking compartmentinsert in accordance with the above-mentioned aspect or an advantageousexemplary embodiment.

In addition to the exemplary embodiment already mentioned above in whichaerogel is provided as a material region for the thermal insulationregion, it is also possible to form a vacuum unit in the base plate as athermal insulation region. Likewise, however, it is also possible toprovide a combination of an aerogel and a negatively pressurized unit.This also produces a lightweight and particularly well-insulatingformation. In particular, a generally provided formation of the cookingcompartment insert of this kind that is of lighter weight isadvantageous if the cooking compartment insert is not arranged at thebottom of a wall delimiting the cooking compartment but is, as it were,suspended in relation thereto.

A cooking compartment insert may also take the form of a cookingcompartment divider. As a result, the cooking compartment may besubdivided into at least two different cooking compartment subregions.In particular, as seen in the direction of the width of the cookingappliance the cooking compartment insert substantially has a widthcorresponding to the clearance between two vertical walls that delimitthe cooking compartment. This also enables particularly simple mountingof the cooking compartment insert on these opposing vertical side walls.

In an exemplary embodiment, as seen in the direction of the height ofthe cooking appliance, the additional module may be positioned in thecooking compartment selectively directly above or directly below theframe. In that case, it may also be arranged in a detachable manner,directly on the frame. For example, if the additional module is aninsulation plate, in an exemplary embodiment it is thus possible forthermal insulation to take effect upward and for the heating element tobe exposed downward. In another exemplary embodiment, the insulationplate may be arranged below the frame and be thermally insulateddownward. In that case the heating element can only emit heat upward.

In particular, not only here but in other exemplary embodiments too, itis possible for there to be a further additional module of the cookingcompartment divider. For example, in that case a grill plate may bearranged on the frame directly above the heating element.

In an exemplary embodiment with the energy-emitting unit as a pizzastone, a plate is provided. This may be heated both by a tubular heatingbody and also by a radiant heating body. However, heating by aninduction heater is similarly also possible. In the case of inductionheating, the actual heating element is an induction coil. This isarranged in the base plate of the cooking compartment insert. Itinteracts with the energy-emitting unit electromagnetically.

It is also possible, depending on the position in which the cookingcompartment insert is installed in the cooking compartment, for heatingfrom above to be able to be generated and provided by the cookingcompartment insert.

In an exemplary embodiment, it is provided for the at least oneelectrical contact region that is formed on the heating element of thecooking compartment insert to be formed on a lateral edge of the baseplate that is narrow in relation thereto. This enables electricalcontact with an electrical mating contact, which is arranged for exampleon a vertical side wall of this kind that delimits a cookingcompartment, to be made in a particularly simple manner. In particular,in this arrangement the electrical contact made between the electricalcontact region and the mating contact region is automatically enabled ifthe cooking compartment insert is arranged in the cooking compartment inits end position. The end position is as seen in the direction of thedepth of the cooking appliance. As seen in the direction of height, thecooking compartment insert may in particular be positioned in thecooking compartment on at least two different levels.

It is also possible, depending on the position in which the cookingcompartment insert is installed in the cooking compartment, for heatingfrom above to be able to be generated and provided by the cookingcompartment insert. This may also enable for example gratinating orgrilling to be performed easily, the energy emission in this contextbeing upward onto the food below it. For example, in this case it isalso possible to prepare food, in particular meat, at temperatures up to800° C.

It is also possible for at least two separate cooking compartmentinserts to be arranged in the cooking compartment at the same time. Inparticular, these may be positioned in the cooking compartment atdifferent height locations. In particular, the orientation of thecooking compartment inserts is in general such that, in the cookingcompartment, the energy-emitting unit faces the food that is to beprepared.

With a concept of this kind with a cooking compartment insert of modularconstruction, the cooking appliance may itself be formed for examplewithout a permanently installed conventional heating body for heatingfrom below. In particular, with an appliance of this kind it may beprovided in that case for hot-air operation to be made available throughthe cooking compartment insert, in particular also in a dualarrangement. In that case, a cooking compartment insert of this kind mayfor example be arranged in the cooking compartment and consequently anupper and a lower cooking compartment subregion formed. In this context,in an exemplary embodiment the cooking compartment insert then providesa unit for heating from above for the lower cooking compartmentsubregion.

With an installation that is turned through 180° relative to this, or ifthe cooking compartment insert is introduced into the cookingcompartment turned around, on the other hand, it is possible to providea module for heating from below, or a steam oven module for the cookingcompartment subregion that is located above it as seen in the directionof height.

Similarly, in an exemplary embodiment it is possible for the cookingcompartment insert to be positioned right at the bottom of the cookingcompartment and thus for there no longer to be a cooking compartmentsubregion for introducing food into below the cooking compartmentinsert, as it were. In an exemplary embodiment of this kind, the cookingcompartment insert then represents for example a module for heating frombelow and/or a steam-generating module, which in that case is usable asit were for the whole of the cooking compartment above it.

Similarly, these in particular three different exemplary embodiments arepossible if the basic formation of the cooking appliance does not haveits own permanently installed conventional heating body for heating fromabove. Depending on the respective introduction position of the cookingcompartment insert, it is then possible to provide a correspondingmodule for heating from above and/or a steam-generating module as aresult of this cooking compartment insert.

It is also possible, in an exemplary embodiment of the cookingappliance, for both a heating body for heating from above and a heatingbody for heating from below to be dispensed with, and for this cookingcompartment insert that is present to provide both a module for heatingfrom above and also a module for heating from below. In this context, itis then possible for a simple circulating air oven to be implemented,without an additional modular heater. In an exemplary embodiment of thiskind, however, the modular heater or cooking compartment insert may alsobe utilized as a module for heating from above. In particular, even ifit is formed as a steam-generating module. Similarly, it is possible,with such a formation of a cooking appliance without its own integratedheating body for heating from above or heating body for heating frombelow, for the cooking compartment insert to be utilized as a module forheating from below. In particular, it is advantageous if theenergy-emitting unit is for example a pizza stone or a grill plate. Inan exemplary embodiment with the cooking compartment insert as a steamgenerator, the water in the relevant energy-emitting unit may already bedirectly present. It is thus also possible in this respect for there tobe an integrated water tank. This water tank of the energy-emitting unitmay for example be filled through a water supply line or at a waterfaucet.

In an exemplary embodiment, the invention also makes it possible toprovide the cooking compartment insert as a retrofit system for acooking appliance. This also makes it possible for a cooking applianceto be provided in an individual basic configuration. Depending onwhether a user wishes to expand the functionality, this at least onecooking compartment insert or indeed plurality of cooking compartmentinserts may be retrofitted as retrofit components. In particular, inthis context it is also possible for only the basic configuration to beprovided in the cooking compartment insert. For the purpose of formingan arrangement individually, a user may then additionally retrofit oneor more energy-emitting units, as desired or needed, in addition, withthe result that the user can configure an arrangement with the cookingcompartment insert and at least one energy-emitting unit in a mannerspecific to the user.

One aspect of the invention thus also relates to a retrofit system for acooking appliance. The retrofit system has a cooking compartment insertin accordance with the above-mentioned aspect or an advantageousexemplary embodiment thereof. The retrofit system may also have anarrangement in accordance with the above-mentioned aspect or anadvantageous exemplary embodiment thereof.

The specifications “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “rear”, “horizontal”,“vertical”, “direction of depth”, “direction of width”, “direction ofheight”, etc. are used to specify the positions and orientations thatoccur when the cooking compartment insert or the appliance is used andarranged correctly.

Further features of the invention will be apparent from the claims, thefigures and the description of the figures. The features andcombinations of features that are mentioned above in the description,and the features and combinations of features that are mentioned belowin the description of the figures and/or are solely shown in thefigures, may be used not only in the respectively specified combinationbut also in other combinations or by themselves without departing fromthe scope of the invention. Thus, statements that are not explicitlyshown and explained in the figures but are apparent and producible fromthe explained statements by separate combinations of features are alsoto be regarded as comprised and disclosed by the invention. Statementsand combinations of features that consequently do not have all thefeatures of an originally formulated independent claim should also beregarded as disclosed.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detailbelow with reference to schematic drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of acooking appliance according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows an illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a cookingcompartment insert according to the invention;

FIG. 3 shows the cooking compartment insert from FIG. 2 in a perspectivedifferent from FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the cooking compartment insert from FIG. 2and FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 5 shows a front view of the cooking compartment insert from FIG. 2and FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective illustration of an exemplary embodiment of anadditional module for a cooking compartment insert;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective of the additional module that is differentfrom FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective illustration of a cooking compartment insertthat has the components from FIG. 2 to FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 9 shows the cooking compartment divider from FIG. 8 in aperspective different from FIG. 8 ;

FIG. 10 shows a perspective illustration of a further exemplaryembodiment of an additional module for a cooking compartment insert;

FIG. 11 shows a perspective illustration of a further exemplaryembodiment of an additional module for a cooking compartment insert;

FIG. 12 shows a front view of a further exemplary embodiment of acooking appliance; and

FIG. 13 shows a perspective illustration of the cooking appliance fromFIG. 12 .

In the figures, elements which are identical or functionally identicalare provided with the same reference characters.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a cooking appliance 1. Thecooking appliance 1 may be an oven or a microwave oven or a steam oven.It may also be a cooking appliance that combines these.

The cooking appliance 1 has a housing 2. Arranged in the housing 2 is inparticular a muffle 3. The walls of this delimit a cooking compartment4. The cooking compartment 4 is delimited at the front by a door 5(merely indicated here by dashed lines) of the cooking appliance 1, thedoor 5 being schematically shown in the open state here.

Moreover, FIG. 1 shows a cooking compartment insert 6. The cookingcompartment insert 6 is in itself a separate component. It isspecifically configured for insertion in the cooking compartment 4. Inthis regard, the cooking compartment insert 6 is a cooking compartmentdivider. In particular, this also means that, in the direction of thewidth (x direction) of the cooking appliance 1, it has a width thatsubstantially corresponds to the clearance between two opposing verticalside walls 3 a and 3 b of the muffle 3. As a result, the cookingcompartment insert 6 may be inserted horizontally into the cookingcompartment 4 and arranged in particular directly against the opposingside walls 3 a and 3 b. The cooking compartment insert 6 is inparticular formed to be plate-shaped. This means that in this context ittakes the form of a flat body with corners.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a cooking compartment insert 6.The cooking compartment insert 6 has a base unit 7. The base unit 7takes the form of a frame 8. This frame 8 has a front frame bar 9, arear frame bar 10, and lateral frame bars 11 and 12. In the exemplaryembodiment, these form a frame 8 that is peripherally closed. In thiscase, the frame 8 takes the form of a quadrilateral frame. The frame 8surrounds or delimits a free space 13. Arranged in this free space 13 isa heating element 14 of the cooking compartment insert 6. The heatingelement 14 is in this case a rod with multiple bends, or a tube. As canbe seen, the frame 8 is open upward and downward, as seen in thedirection of height (y direction). As a result, the heating element 14is also exposed upward and downward, as seen in this direction ofheight, because the free space 13 is entirely open upward and downward.The heating element 14 has electrical contacts 15 and 16. These areformed by ends of the multiple-bend rod-shaped heating element 14. Ascan be seen, in the exemplary embodiment these ends are guided outwardhorizontally out of the free space 13, in particular through the rearframe bar 10. In this context, they may be guided through the rear framebar 10 or be guided through below the frame bar 10.

This exemplary embodiment with only the frame 8 and the heating element14 is a basic configuration of the cooking compartment insert 6.

In an exemplary embodiment, the heating element 14 is arranged in thefree space 13 such that, as seen in the direction of height, it does notproject upward or downward beyond the height of the frame 8. This meansin particular that the frame 8 extends further up and/or further downthan the heating element 14.

This also means that this cooking compartment insert 6 with the frame 8and the heating element 14 can be utilized as a finished basicconfiguration. The cooking compartment insert 6 can thus be correctlyused in this basic configuration as a cooking compartment divider. Inthis exemplary embodiment, heat from the heating element 14 can then beemitted unhindered downward and at the same time upward.

In an exemplary embodiment, it may be provided for the cookingcompartment insert 6 to have at least one additional part 17. It is alsopossible for a plurality of additional parts 17 and 18 to be provided.The additional part 17 and/or the additional part 18 are separatecomponents from the frame 8 and the heating element 14. In particular,the additional part 17 and/or the additional part 18 may be a guiderail. These may each be U-shaped in cross section. In an exemplaryembodiment, the elongate rails that are shown here are arranged onreceptacles 19 and/or 20 that are specifically provided for thispurpose. In particular, these receptacles 19 and 20 are formed on anupper side 8 a and/or on edge sides 21 and 22 of the frame 8. Anadditional part 17 and/or 18 may in that case be secured in particularto lateral frame bars 11 and/or 12 such that it projects upward, as seenin the direction of height, in relation to the upper side 8 a. As can beseen, these additional parts 17 and/or 18 are in this case oriented withtheir longitudinal axes in the direction of depth. This means that theyare arranged in particular parallel to the longitudinal axes of thelateral frame bars 11 and 12. The additional parts 17 and 18, which heretake the form of guide rails, can thus be mounted such that they can bedetached in a non-destructive manner and can be removed again. As aresult, the modular nature and individual configurability of the cookingcompartment insert 6 are significantly more flexible.

In an exemplary embodiment, these additional parts 17 and/or 18 may beprovided specifically in order to receive a further additional module ofthe cooking compartment insert 6. In an exemplary embodiment, anadditional module of this kind is once again a separate component fromthe additional parts 17 and/or 18, the frame 8 and the heating element14. An additional module of this kind, which may preferably take aplate-like form, is guided by the exemplary embodiments of theadditional parts 17 and 18 that are shown in FIG. 2 . For example, thisadditional module may be slid into the guide rails from the front, abovethe frame 8, and be pushed linearly, guided toward the rear as seen inthe direction of depth (z direction). In an exemplary embodiment, atleast one additional part may have a rear abutment part 23. Thisprovides an end position for the slid-in additional module.

FIG. 3 shows the exemplary embodiment of the cooking compartment insert6 in a perspective different from FIG. 2 , namely from below. Theseadditional parts 17 and 18 form an expanded configuration of the cookingcompartment insert 6.

In an exemplary embodiment, the frame 8 has at least one handle zone. Inan advantageous exemplary embodiment, handle zones 24 and 25 are formedin this regard on undersides of the lateral frame bars 11 and 12. As aresult, a user can directly take hold of the entire cooking compartmentinsert 6 in the region of the frame 8 and carry it easily. This may beperformed safely with touching the heating element 14. In anadvantageous exemplary embodiment, in this regard a respective handlezone 24, 25 is formed as a recessed handle.

A handle zone 24, 25 may be delimited on the inside by a delimitationwall, as shown in FIG. 3 . This has the effect of forming a delimitationwall relative to the heating element 14. In particular, this also formsa protection against touching when a user reaches a hand into the handlezones 24 and/or 25. In particular, a delimitation web 26 is formed.Preferably, this delimitation wall is formed by the delimitation web 26.This delimitation web is in particular made in one piece with the frame8. It may be made for example by deep drawing. Thus, it may be adeep-drawn delimitation web. On the outside, this handle zone 24 and/or25 may be delimited by an additional bead 27 that is formed on theperipheral edge or the outer edge of the frame 8. As a result, adownwardly open recessed handle is also formed in a shape-specificimprovement.

As can be seen, this delimitation web 26 may be formed to runperipherally all the way around. In particular, in an exemplaryembodiment it may be interrupted only at the location 26 a at which theends 15 and 16 are guided out of the frame 8. The delimitation web 26has, as seen in the direction of height, a greater height than theheating element 14. In particular, in an exemplary embodiment thisdelimitation web 26 may also take the form of a standing element. Thisis specifically provided in order that the cooking compartment insert 6can be placed directly on a surface, for example a worktop, by means ofthis delimitation web 26. This may take place such that the heatingelement 14 is arranged such that it does not touch this worktop.

In an exemplary embodiment, the frame 8, in particular the front framebar 9, has a notch 28. In the exemplary embodiment, this is a forwardlyand/or upwardly and/or downwardly open cutout. This makes it possible toreach in from the front and/or from below and to reach through upward.This is advantageous if an additional module is arranged on the frame 8and in particular covers the front frame bar 9 from above. It is thenpossible to reach into this notch 28 from below and access the undersideof this additional module in the front region, so that this additionalmodule can be taken hold of directly at the front underside.

Preferably, only a single heating element 14 is arranged in the freespace 13. In particular, this is the heating element 14 by means ofwhich the cooking compartment insert 6 can be externally coupleddirectly to the energy supply. This takes place by way of the ends 15and 16.

FIG. 4 illustrates the cooking compartment insert 6 as shown in theexamples of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 , from the side.

FIG. 5 illustrates the cooking compartment insert 6 as shown in theexemplary embodiments of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 , from the front. The factthat the additional parts 17 and 18 are U-shaped in cross section can beseen here.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of an additional module 29 in aperspective illustration. The additional module 29 is providedspecifically for use with the frame 8. It is thus in particular aconstituent part of a further expanded configuration of a cookingcompartment insert 6. In this case, the additional module 29 is formedto be plate-shaped. In an exemplary embodiment, it may be an insulationplate.

Generally speaking, the additional module 29 is provided forinstallation in the configuration as shown in FIG. 2 to FIG. 5 . Inparticular here, the additional parts 17 and 18 are provided in order toreceive the additional module 29, which is separate therefrom. Theadditional module 29 is also a component separate from the frame 8 andthe heating element 14. If, in an exemplary embodiment, this additionalmodule 29 is an insulation plate and is arranged pushed up to the endposition in the expanded configuration in FIG. 2 to FIG. 5 , then thefree space 13 is entirely covered from above by this additional module29. In particular, a spacing is formed between the heating element 14and the additional module 29 when the latter is in its end position. Inparticular in this case, an air gap is formed between the heatingelement and the additional module 29. As a result of the exemplaryembodiment as an insulation plate, the entire cooking compartment insert6 may then be configured such that the thermal energy generated by theheating element 14 is only radiated downward or substantially downward.Thus, with use as a cooking compartment divider as shown by way ofexample in FIG. 1 , an upper cooking compartment region 4 a that isproduced in this way may be thermally insulated. It is then inparticular cooler than a lower cooking compartment region 4 b that islikewise produced.

In another exemplary embodiment, however, an additional module 30 mayalso be an energy-emitting unit, as shown by way of example in FIGS. 10and 11 . In this regard, this may in that case be for example a grillplate or similar. In this context, the additional module 30 may then bespecifically provided in order to emit thermal energy, which it receivesfrom the heating element 14, upward in a targeted manner, in order towarm food placed thereon. In particular, heat may then also be emittedto the upper cooking compartment region 4 a in a targeted manner.

In an exemplary embodiment, where an additional module 29 is formed asan insulation plate, it may be made in one piece. However, it may alsobe formed in multiple parts. In this context, it may have a top plate 31and a bottom plate 32. These may be connected to one another directly.For example, this may take place by an adhesive connection. It is alsopossible for a welded connection or a screw connection to be providedhere. In another exemplary embodiment, the additional module 29 may havean additional edge border 33. This may surround the top plate 31 and thebottom plate 32 peripherally. For example, this edge border 33 may bemade from metal, in particular stainless steel.

It may be provided for an upper side 31 a of the top plate 31 and/or anunderside 32 a of the bottom plate 32 to be given a structure. Stampedelements may be provided. Likewise, depressions and/or elevations orsimilar may be formed.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7 , it can be seen that theunderside 32 a of the bottom plate 32 has a handle zone 34 in the frontregion. This handle zone 34 may be a recessed handle. The handle zone 34is open downward, in particular only downward. The same may be providedin the case of an additional module 30.

FIG. 8 shows, in a perspective illustration, an exemplary embodiment ofa cooking compartment insert 6. In this exemplary embodiment, theexpanded configuration that was mentioned above is shown. It has thecomponents of the basic configuration with, in addition, the additionalparts 17 and 18, and in this case has in addition an additional module,in particular the additional module 29. This is shown in the endposition provided. In this arrangement, it is laterally embraced by theadditional parts 17 and 18. It is arranged above the frame 8. In size itextends substantially over the dimensions of the surface of the frame 8.The free space 13 is entirely covered from above by this additionalmodule 29.

FIG. 9 shows this expanded configuration of the cooking compartmentinsert 6 from FIG. 8 in a perspective different therefrom, namely frombelow. As can be seen, the handle zone 34 and the notch 28 are arrangedflush with one another. The additional module 29 is dimensioned andarranged in the end position provided such that the notch 28 is coveredfrom above. Reaching into the notch 28 from the front and/or from belowthen makes the handle zone 34 upwardly accessible as well.

FIG. 10 shows the above-mentioned further exemplary embodiment of anadditional module, which in this case is the additional module 30. Inthis exemplary embodiment, the plate-shaped additional module 30 isformed on an upper side 30 a with medium drainage and/or collectionchannels 35. In this case, these are cohesive and take the form of onemedium drainage and/or collection channel 35 that runs peripherally inparticular all the way around.

FIG. 11 shows a further exemplary embodiment of an additional module 30.This too is specifically formed as an energy-emitting unit, inparticular in this case too as an energy-emitting unit for thermalenergy. The additional module 30 is in this case a grill plate. Thus,the upper side 30 a here may have for example ribs and/or grooves. In anexemplary embodiment, it is provided for an edge-side elevation 36 to beformed, which can border this upper side 30 a. As a result of this too,it is advantageously possible to prevent media from running off theupper side 30 a when food placed on the upper side 30 a is beinggrilled.

FIG. 12 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a cooking appliance 1.In this case, a specific position of a cooking compartment insert 6 isillustrated. The cooking appliance 1 has for example, in this case too,a hot-air system 37. In this case a baffle plate 38 is mounted on therear side. This has ventilation openings through which air is circulatedinto the cooking compartment region 4 a. As seen in the direction ofheight, it is provided here for the slide-in level of the cookingcompartment insert 6, which is provided in a defined manner, to bearranged entirely below these outlet openings in the baffle plate 38.This enables the upper cooking compartment region 4 a to be operated byhot air and/or heat from above. On the other side, the lower cookingcompartment region 4 b can be operated by the heating element 14, as aheating body for heating from above.

The cooking compartment insert 6 can be configured in the most diverseformations, in particular as set forth by the diverse exemplaryembodiments explained above. This produces the most diverse possibleuses for a cooking compartment insert 6 that can be configured indifferent ways. This in turn makes possible different functionalitiesand preparation procedures in the cooking compartment 4, in particularin a cooking compartment region 4 a and/or 4 b. In this context, it isalso possible for different preparation procedures using differentheating scenarios to be performed in these cooking compartment regions 4a and 4 b at the same time.

FIG. 13 shows the exemplary embodiment of the cooking appliance 1 inperspective. In particular, it is shown here that there is a cookingcompartment insert 6 that is formed in an expanded configuration, inparticular being configured with an additional module 30 which may be agrill plate.

LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

-   -   1 Cooking appliance    -   2 Housing    -   3 Muffle    -   3 a Vertical side wall    -   3 b Vertical side wall    -   4 Cooking compartment    -   4 a Upper cooking compartment region    -   4 b Lower cooking compartment region    -   5 Door    -   6 Cooking compartment insert    -   7 Base unit    -   8 Frame    -   9 Front frame bar    -   10 Rear frame bar    -   11 Lateral frame bar    -   12 Lateral frame bar    -   13 Free space    -   14 Heating element    -   15 Contact    -   16 Contact    -   17 Additional part    -   18 Additional part    -   19 Receptacle    -   20 Receptacle    -   21 Edge side    -   22 Edge side    -   22 Edge side    -   23 Rear abutment part    -   24 Handle zone    -   25 Handle zone    -   26 Delimitation wall    -   26 a Location    -   27 Bead    -   28 Notch    -   29 Additional module    -   30 Additional module    -   30 a Upper side    -   31 Top plate    -   31 a Upper side    -   32 Bottom plate    -   32 a Underside    -   33 Edge border    -   34 Handle zone    -   35 Medium drainage and/or collection channel    -   36 Elevation    -   37 Hot-air system    -   38 Baffle wall English translation of PCT/EP2021/081998 based on        DE 102020214630.6 filed Nov. 20, 2020    -   x Direction of width    -   y Direction of height    -   z Direction of depth

1-15. (canceled)
 16. A cooking compartment insert for detachableinstallation in a cooking compartment of a cooking appliance, thecooking compartment insert formed to be plate-shaped and comprising: abase unit designed as a frame that is open upward and downward andconfigured to delimit a free space; and a heating element arranged onthe base unit on a side that is remote from an underside of the baseunit such that, at least in one region, the heating element is exposeddownward, said heating element being arranged in the free spacesurrounded by the frame, and arranged to be upwardly and downwardlyexposed in relation to the frame.
 17. The cooking compartment insert ofclaim 16, wherein the frame is peripherally closed.
 18. The cookingcompartment insert of claim 16, wherein the frame is made in one piecefrom metal.
 19. The cooking compartment insert of claim 16, wherein theframe is formed from at least two separate profile parts that areconnected to one another.
 20. The cooking compartment insert of claim16, wherein the heating element is connected to the frame by adetachable connection.
 21. The cooking compartment insert of claim 16,wherein the frame includes at an integrated handle zone.
 22. The cookingcompartment insert of claim 21, wherein the handle zone is a recessedhandle.
 23. The cooking compartment insert of claim 16, wherein theframe includes a front frame bar formed with an upwardly open notch on afront side which is remote from the free space.
 24. The cookingcompartment insert of claim 16, wherein the frame includes a receptacle,and further comprising an additional part accommodated in the receptacleand being separate from the frame and the heating element.
 25. Thecooking compartment insert of claim 16, wherein the frame includes alateral frame bar including a receptacle, and further comprising anadditional part accommodated in the receptacle and being separate fromthe frame and the heating element.
 26. The cooking compartment insert ofclaim 24, wherein the additional part is mountable in a detachablemanner on the receptacle, allowing the cooking compartment insert to beconfigured in a modular manner.
 27. The cooking compartment insert ofclaim 24, wherein the additional part is a guide rail for an additionalmodule.
 28. The cooking compartment insert of claim 27, wherein theguide rail is U-shaped in cross section.
 29. The cooking compartmentinsert of claim 16, further comprising a plate-shaped additional module,which is a separate component from the frame and the heating element,and which, when arranged on the frame, covers the free space from above.30. The cooking compartment insert of claim 30, wherein the plate-shapedadditional module is configured to cover the free space entirely. 31.The cooking compartment insert of claim 29, wherein the additionalmodule is arranged in a detachable manner on the frame.
 32. The cookingcompartment insert of claim 29, wherein the additional module is aninsulation plate, or a plate having at least one region made fromceramic, or an energy-emitting unit.
 33. The cooking compartment insertof claim 29, wherein the additional module includes a bottom plate and atop plate, at least one of the bottom plate and top plate of theadditional module including stamped elements and/or a medium drainageand/or a collection channel and/or an elevated delimitation.
 34. Acooking appliance, comprising: a cooking compartment; and a cookingcompartment insert reversibly insertable into and removable from thecooking compartment, said cooking compartment insert formed to beplate-shaped and comprising a base unit designed as a frame that is openupward and downward and configured to delimit a free space, and aheating element arranged on the base unit on a side that is remote froman underside of the base unit such that, at least in one region, theheating element is exposed downward, said heating element being arrangedin the free space surrounded by the frame, and arranged to be upwardlyand downwardly exposed in relation to the frame.